Overview & Reviews

One of Hyundai's longest-running nameplates, the Santa Fe is a car-based crossover SUV aimed at buyers seeking the elevated ride height and useful cargo area of a traditional utility vehicle in an easy-to-drive package. Modern versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe are midsize with three rows of seating, quality cabin furnishings and user-friendly tech features. Whether you're shopping for a new or used Santa Fe, value is a big part of its appeal. The standard equipment list is generous, as is Hyundai's warranty coverage.

Earlier versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe range from compact to midsize in dimensions and have seating for five passengers. The 2007 and later models are a big step up in styling, performance and interior space, and they're worth considering if you're shopping for a used midsize crossover. Hyundai has since subdivided the Santa Fe line into two models: the two-row Santa Fe Sport and the three-row Santa Fe. The latter is more luxurious than its predecessors, offering premium styling and plenty of power.

User Reviews:

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  Great SUV! - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By RandR - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a terrific value. Roomy, powerful, and well-thought-out.

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  car - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By baroha - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The car is great

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  Fabulous vehicle! - 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By drwoodr - August 31 - 2:33 am

  We purchased our SE AWD back in March and just love it. Have had it on 2 long road trips, and it is so fun and comfortable to drive. I was a little reluctant about getting a Hyundai, but after owning the vehicle for 4 months, no regrets. We test drove the CRV and others, no comparison in value, features, and comfort. Many comments here about the poor interior lighting. Hyundai has corrected this on never production models, and they will fix older 2007 vehicles for free if you ask. My map lights now go on when the doors are opened. Great customer service from Hyundai USA on this.

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  good value - 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By economist - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Very well engineered--better than my Jimmy. Test drove a Toyota Highlander, too. Highlander had more power, space, and a luxury ride. Santa Fe had better steering, breaking, styling, and PRICE, and a solid, European sporty feel for the road. Its a perfect car for my wife. Would be for me if I werent 62", 210 lbs. Duck your head when you get in! Headroom fine once inside.

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  Reliability - 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By AdvancedCar - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is pure reliability. So far, the car has been excellent, performance and comfort. It is so quiet inside when driving and the leather seats are very comfortable.

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  I love my sante fe! - 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By M. Allen - August 29 - 4:03 pm

  I tried the Tucson and the Sante Fe, and although they are very simular, I prefer the Sante Fe. It rides better than the Tucson and has more room. I just love my Sante Fe and I love driving it. I recommend it to anyone considering getting one.

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  Good car, bad gas mileage! - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By Janos - August 28 - 3:03 pm

  I bought my Santa Fe back in October 2008 - my wife wanted us to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle in case of bad weather. I expected the mileage to go down some from the sedan I had but figured with with conservative driving, Id at least get in the low to mid 20s. Definitely NOT the case! Im averaging closer to 16 to 18 miles to the gallon even with mostly highway driving at 70. It runs smoothly and is very comfortable to drive but every time I fill the tank, I cringe. Snow / slick road handling is so-so. My wifes Mazda 6 actually handles a lot better in snow & ice which kind of defeats the purpose of getting the four wheel drive Santa Fe! I will probably end up going back to a sedan.

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  Very Decent If Purchased Correctly - 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By bobbichen - August 27 - 6:15 pm

  This is a medium term follow up. I have owned this unit about 6 months with about 5k miles on it. Simply put, I went in with low expectations but it is growing on me. I had the issues with the transmission like many. Three trips to the dealer (flash upgrades and a fluid refill due to a dealer mistake) followed by disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds (computer reset) finally sorted it out. Now the vehicle drives smoothly with only an occasional missed shift. Mediocre MPG (about 16 to 18 city). All around, though, for the price (purchased at wholesale) it is hard to beat.

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  good price, great price - 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By dcherry - August 26 - 3:03 am

  I did not think I could ever afford to buy such a nice SUV. It is like that big Toyota with lots of room. I tried out the Toyota, and was overwhelmed with the price of it. Once I got in the Hyundai, I was hooked. It is nice. It is so comfortable. Even the back seats are so huge that anybody riding back there is very happy. I rode in the back of the Toyota and was so squeezed and the plastic parts inside looked so cheesy and the big sticker price turned me off...oh, and there was very little warranty on the Toyota. So I got the Hyundai and I have been happy every since. BEST DECISION EVER.

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  Great car - initial review//more later - 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
  By necostanzo - August 25 - 3:56 pm

  Bought this vehicle today after driving a Azera and Sonata. This vehicle was actually quieter on the highway than the Sonata and was almost as luxurious as the Azera. I am very happy with this vehicle. This is my initial review and I will update it as I drive the vehicle more....Only annoying issue so far is the blue lights on the dash, even when turned to full dim, they are still too bright. I dont care for the brightness of the lights.